Overall job search intentions among Canadian professionals hit highest level in at least a year: survey
More than half (57 per cent) of HR professionals plan to look for a new job in the next six months, the highest share of any sector tracked in a new survey.
Technology professionals are close behind at 53 per cent, followed by legal at 44 per cent, marketing and creative at 42 per cent, finance and accounting at 33 per cent, and administrative and customer support at 32 per cent.
The findings come as overall job search intentions among Canadian professionals have climbed sharply. Nearly half (44 per cent) of the more than 1,500 employed workers surveyed plan to look for a new role in the second half of 2026 — up from 33 per cent in the first half of the year and 26 per cent one year ago, according to Robert Half.
Younger workers leading charge
Millennials are the most likely generation to be on the move, with 53 per cent planning a job search, according to the survey. Gen Z follows at 46 per cent, Gen X at 33 per cent, and baby boomers at 13 per cent.
"Over the past few years, many professionals have taken a more cautious approach to career moves, often prioritizing stability amid economic and workplace uncertainty," says Koula Vasilopoulos, senior managing director at Robert Half.
"We're seeing a growing sense of confidence with more people re-engaging in the job market and intentionally pursuing opportunities that offer meaningful career progression, flexibility and stronger alignment with their longer-term goals."
What workers want
Better benefits and perks and career advancement opportunities are tied as the top motivators for a job change, each cited by 38 per cent of respondents, according to Robert Half.
Feeling underpaid and wanting more flexibility were each cited by 33 per cent, while 31 per cent said they are seeking more remote work options.
Among those choosing to stay, flexibility is the most common reason: 46 per cent say they don't want to lose the level of flexibility their current workplace provides, according to the survey.
AI raising the bar for job seekers
Even as confidence returns to the job market, candidates face a new layer of competition. Among those planning to look for a new role, 51 per cent say AI-generated applications have intensified competition for open positions, while 46 per cent say they are concerned about keeping their skills current as AI continues to evolve, according to Robert Half.
"AI is reshaping the job search in real and immediate ways," says Vasilopoulos.
"While these tools can help candidates apply more easily, they can also make it harder to stand out as applications become more uniform and less reflective of an individual's true experience. Job seekers need to be thoughtful in how they use AI, while continuing to build in-demand skills and clearly articulate the value they bring."
